It is said there is a split at board level over his appointment - with United's owners the Glazer family and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward keen but legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and director Bobby Charlton unsure.

Ferguson backed Van Gaal to stay last week and the pressure has eased on him with successive 1-0 victories over Everton and Manchester City, as well as an FA Cup quarter-final replay at West Ham to come.

And the Daily Mirror report that Van Gaal believes he will remain as United manager for next season - even if they do NOT finish in the top four.

The 64-year-old thinks Ferguson's defence of him and his impressive blooding of numerous young players this season - particularly striker Marcus Rashford - could keep him in a job.